On February 14, 1965 here in East Elmhurst, Queens the home where Malcolm X, Betty Shabazz and their four daughters lived in was firebombed (the family escaped physical injury). Yet, only a week later at a speaking engagement in the Audubon Ballroom, three gunmen rushed Malcolm X on stage and shot him. He was pronounced dead on arrival at New York's Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

Forty years later as Councilmember for the 21st District, Hiram Monserrate introduced and ensured the passing of legislation in the New York City Council to rename the corner of 97th Street and 23rd Avenue in East Elmhurst, Queens Malcolm X Place.

In doing so Monserrate understood the importance of preserving part of the rich history that is the community of East Elmhurst and honor the legacy of Malcolm X.